Three major (the power of three, sometimes you get two sometimes four) points drawn from this period
1. Origins of Korean Church
- 16th century
- 16th century: first christian church
- Japanese Roman Catholic Emperor came to Korea
- brought a missionary who was more interested in Japan than Korea => not actively spread
- 이성훈 went to china to research Christianity, became Christian himself.
- Christianity grew independently from Western countries.
2: Growth of Christianity
1780s- 1880s
- Koryo & Choson
Koryo and Choson kingdom
- Koryo: Govt. based on Buddhism but corrupted Buddhist had exploit their power.
- Choson: converted to Confucianism to built strict and orderly society. It became dominant by the eighteenth century. First Catholic church was formed. Its belief such as equality and marriage system appealed to Koreans.
- Catholicism was viewed as a treat, was outlawed in 1785. At least 8,000 Korean Christians were persecuted, but Catholicism continues to spread rapidly.
3. Introduction of Protestantism, Christianity
- 1880s~ 1910s
- during 19th century, catholic church was suffering
- first missionary named Dr. Horace and Allen from Press
- faked that he was physician from US
- 1912, Protestantism grew
- 334 people came, 962 protestant schools, offered lots of things
- Protestants translated bible to Korean
4. korean christianity under japanese occupation
- 1910~ 1945
- Christians persecuted by Japanese, ex) set fire on church
- tried to implement Shintoism, but rejected b/c of nationalism
- rather grew much b/c of nationalism
- ppl who gave into Japan got scorned after Japanese left
5. Korean Christianity since 1945
- 1945~
- Christians helped Koreans by providing necessity
- becomes democratic
- help modernization in Korea
1. Why might Korea under the Confucian Chosŏn dynasty have been an especially fertile
ground for Christianity to take root?
Confucianism promotes social hierarchy. In such a community, those who belong to a lower social class would seek for change; they would want a religion that values equality. The essence of Christianity was fortunately equality of all human beings regardless of their gender and occupation. Thus, women and people of lower social status particularly supported the spreading of Christianity.
2. What other religion that existed in Korea might have appealed to lower classes in a similar
manner as Christianity? How might this other religion have been hindered in attracting new
followers?
Because the regime of Koryo was corrupted, the newfound regime of Choson as well as its people, including people of lower social status, would have been attracted to legalism: a philosophy that promotes the “rule of law.” They would have thought that, had legalism been implemented earlier, the government would have been less corrupt.
3. Why did the government care which religion people practiced?
If the people supported a religion that went against its principles, its legitimacy would be questioned. Thus, in order to have better control of its people, the government tried to control religion. In many cases, religions have been used as a tool and had planted an impetus to overthrow governments.
The Role of Shamanism & Fortune-Telling in Korean Culture- 10/10/11
Document 2
Why are fortune-telling and Shamanism still practiced in Korea?
People believe in Fortune-telling and Shamanism because they want somewhere to rely on in their hard times and because the fortune telling has some truth in it and people think that they can get relieved from it. Also, with those papers that the people give, they will be able to get good luck. The people’s internal conflicts drive people to believe in this ritual.
Describe the attitudes of the Korea University students about fortune-telling and Shamanism.
The attitudes of the Korea University students about fortune-telling and Shamanism are very indifferent; they seem to have no interest whether Shamanism is right or wrong. Without being indignant, they accept why some Korean elders go visit Shamanism.
What was your group's reaction to their points of view?
Our group's reaction was very similar to the Koreans in the interview. We did not grow indignant and disrespect our elders, but rather understood that there are some elders who believe in Shamanism.
List three questions your group could ask the students.
1. Is there any difference in fortune-telling and Shamanism?
2. What justification would Shamanist give to prove that they are logical?
3. Does going to Shamanist relieve the stress?
What else do you need to know?
The Catholics and Christians don’t necessarily respect Shamanism but some Korean Christians still visit clairvoyant foreseers in order to better understand their fate and future.
Shintoism Chart- Sean D Kim F Block- Due 10/11/11
[[file:Shintoism Chart- Sean D Kim F Block- 10:11:11.pages]]
Reading Questions for Legalism- Due 10/11/11
In Han Fei's ideal state what is the supreme governing authority, the will of the ruler or the law?
Han Fei says that law is the supreme governing authority, stating that law should be definitive and subjected to all people.
What are the "Two Handles" and how important are they to a legalist state? Why must the sovereign never surrender control over the two handles?
Two Handles are two elements of effectively ruling the society: chastity and commendation. That is, "praise the right and blame the wrong." The ruler must love his people but the rule must be strictly obeyed. Therefore, another branch of the government should execute the law for the ruler to be loved by his people.
What roles do individuality and private initiative play in Han Fei's ideal state?
The roles of the individuality and private initiative play are not as important in Han Fei's ideal state, for the government must have control over individual in order to execute the rules completely. In this way, the individual will not be able to deceit the government.
Why do you think Legalism appealed to some people?
The legalism is appealing to the people because it emphasizes safety as a priority. Though it puts some restriction on privacy and freedom, the legalist states always will be safe and politically stable.
Imagine a series of conversations among a Daoist, a Confucian, and a Legalist. How would each respond on the following issues: What is the purpose of good government? What role does morality play in formulating law? What are the qualities of a superior ruler? The proposition "Might makes right."
If three scholars were asked about the purpose of good government, the Confucian would argue that its role is to guide the uneducated people to the right path, while the Legalist would argue that it is to secure people with safety and political stability. The Daoist, though had a very negative view on being a leader, would say government should secure the happiness of the people. If they were asked what role does morality play in formulating law, the Legalists would immediately say that punishment under the law should executed without any hinderance such as morality. The Confucian would also argue the same, for they view law as a wisdom of the elders. However, the Daoist would argue that law is not necessary to live a life, but reaching morality is more important than following law. The qualities of a superior ruler to Confucian is educated, respected, guiding, and helpful; to Legalist, honest, trustworthy, loving, and radical; to Daoist, wise, satisfied, conservative, and fatalistic.
In Lectures on the Tao Teh Ching, Lao-Tzu says, that, "The mystery of the Mysterious is the gateway to all indescribable marvels". Does this quote have an equivalent to in Christianity? Are there other parts of the Tao Teh Ching that remind you of Christian ideals?
This quote has an equivalent to in Christianity in how they perceive the existence of God. The quote first introduced God saying that he is nameless and is the mother, creator, of all nature. Then he adds on, saying that "the mystery of the Mysterious is the gateway to all indescribable marvels." The mystery of the world, created by God, is the source for the happiness; the mystery is the life. This belief is reminds me of Christian idea because they believe that we should focus on our current lives because it is a gift by God.
See Passage 2, "Not honoring men....Not wanting rare things...Not paying attention..." How are does this help one understand how Taoism, Buddhism and Confucianism found common ground and were not mutually exclusive belief systems?
These lines help one to understand that these three asian beliefs, Taoism, Buddhism, and Confucianism are not mutually exclusive because they all have similar concept about the cause of all pain and disorder in life. That is, desire cause people to fight, compete, steal and cause disaster. In order to prevent these disasters, people must distinguish their evil desire.
In Passage 2, what do you think is meant by the lines, "relaxing the mind, reinforcing the abdomen, gentling the will, strengthening the bones"?
The phrase "relaxing the mind" is to stay away from being impulsive; "reinforcing the abdomen," to focus on the center and point of all things; "gentling the will," to distinguish the desire; "strengthening the bones," to strengthen your root and inner nature.
Consider the last three entries from D.C. Lau's Lao Tzu: Tao Te Ching, Lao Tzu describes government. How is this ideal different from Confucius' ideal? What present day system of government are you reminded of when you read this section? Do you think this is a good system? Explain.
Unlike Confucianism which values the intelligence and skill, Taoism believes that people with knowledges and skills are powerful, therefore capable of creating danger to the society. It prefers people with simple-mind, who understand their inner nature and will avoid conflicts in the society.
Regarding the third treasure that Lao Tzu describes, what do you think is his message? Do you agree? What does this say about people who are ambitious?
His message teach people to act in three ways. First, people should have ability of seeing things in other people's point of view and understand them: compassion. Second, people should learn how to spare their valuables and live humbly: frugality. Lastly, people should understand that taking being a leader or hero is not the best way to live a life. Though might sound not extraordinary, living a simple life is the best life according to Taoists. He would say to the ambitious people that they must understand that there is no point in achieving high status because everything will vanished. I strongly agree with the taoists belief, for in the end, everything will end up as a dust. Therefore, the priority in our lives should be to achieving happiness with what we have right now.
A butterfly represents change, for it starts off as a alien-like caterpillar, but goes through metamorphosis to become beautiful butterfly. It accepts the rule of the nature and let the changes happen on it, end up being something completely opposite of caterpillar.
What is the importance of the water cycle?
Like a butterfly, water represents change, for water in water cycle changes its state continuously. Water also follows the rule of nature, effortlessly letting change happen on it.
What is the point about the 'man raising melons'?
Man raising melons points out how human are struggling too much to force things happen. He also has changed from Prince to farmer, a significant decrease in richness and rank. He should have been the King, but ends up being a farmer, which further emphasize the change in life.
What is the author attempting to convey to the reader?
The author is conveying that there is no point in struggling for somethings to forcefully happen because for most times, people will end up being something unexpected, and were meant to be from the beginning. It has the Wu Wei idea of taoism, which states that one can effortlessly let things happen as it should be done and still live a good Taoist life.
The Tao of Pooh Discussion Questions and Quotes- Due 9/29/11
#1-11: Sean D Kim
#12-21: Jung Wook Kang
#22-32: Brian Kim
What is the significance of the painting Hoff describes named The Vinegar Tasters? (2)
In the painting Hoff described were three men, each with different reactions from tasting the vinegar. Those three men represents Three teachings of China. The first man, K'ung Fu-tse, who has sour look on his face, viewed the life very sour. The second man, Buddha, who has a bitter face, viewed the life very bitter. The third man, Lao-tse, who has a smile on his face, is the author of the oldest book of Taoism.
What is the theme of life according to Hoff’s interpretation of Taoism? (5-6)
The theme of life according to Hoff's interpretation of Taoism is happiness. Taoists just simply enjoy the happiness in life.
How does Hoff explain the “uncarved block” metaphor? (10)
Uncarved block is a metaphor which refers to simplicity. Instead of viewing things with complexity,
What is the secret message of the “uncarved block?” (2)
The secret message is that things should not be viewed with too much complexity. Too much thinking will only confuse the substantial meaning of things.
What was the main conflict between the Confucianists and Taoists according to Hoff? (24)
The main conflicts between the Confucianists and Taoists according to Hoff happens because Confucianist scholars are too intellectual. Their knowledge restricts them from understanding Taoism, which put emphasis on simplicity.
Which of Milne’s characters represent Confucianists and Taoists according to Hoff?
The educated ones among Milne's characters, Rabbit, Eeyore, Owl represent Confucianists; on the other hand, the uneducated but simple one, Pooh represents Taoist.
What is Hoff’s opinion of Confucianist scholars? (26)
Hoff was rather negative towards the Confucianist scholars, for they cannot view things as they really are, but instead chooses to describe using fancy words that only they can understand. Their biased knowledge narrows their sight of seeing the nature as it is.
What does Hoff say about knowledge vs. experience? (29)
Hoff says that knowledge and experience are different. Knowledge obtained from experience are much more valuable than knowledge that did not.
What do most scholars blame for problems in the world? Why isn’t it justified? (32)
Scholars blame the non-educated people by rationalizing the problems. What they failed to understand is that their logic cannot find things to blame every time things go wrong because sometimes things happen beyond their logic.
What is the difference between “cleverness” and “Inner Nature?” (38)
The main difference between cleverness and Inner Nature is that Inner nature focuses on oneself when cleverness does not. While developing cleverness only means increasing knowledge like Confucian scholars, discovering Inner Nature is a self-actualization. It is becoming what you were meant to be when you are born; that requires discovering your innate talents and limit. According to taoism, developing Inner Nature is more important than cleverness.
Why is it important to discern your own Inner Nature? (41)
It is important to discern your own Inner Nature because everyone is born in different way, with different talents. It is important not to waste the talent but let it grow by finding suitable environment.
11. Explain Hoff’s interpretation of the Chinese quote: “One disease, long life; No disease, short life.” (48)
Those who know what's wrong with them and take care of themselves accordingly will tend to live a lot longer than those who consider themselves perfectly healthy and neglect their weaknesses.
12. What does Hoff mean when he states that we must learn to “work with Things As They Are?” (50)
We do not need to find answers to "things." It would just make us conclude that there is no absolute answers and make us more curious about other questions.
13. What happens to people who do not listen to their Inner Nature? (57)
If people do not listen to their inner nature, they can be easily fooled. They do not understand them very much. Having little understanding of themselves, they have little respect for themselves, and are therefore easily influenced by others.
14. What is the Way of Self-Reliance? (57-8)
The way of Self-Reliance starts with recognizing who we are, what we've got to work with, and what works best for us.
15. How can we change ourselves effectively through the principles of Taoism? (58)
We can change ourselves effectively through discovering somethings about ourselves that we don't like. Then we can decide whether to get rid of them completely, change them into other thigns, or use them in beneficial ways.
16. What is the Wu Wei or “The Pooh Way” according to Hoff? (67-8)
Wu Wei or "The Pooh Way" is not to go against the nature of things; no clever tampering. It is like that of the water because it evolves from an inner sensitivity to the natural rhythm of things.
17. How does the quote, “Tao does not do, but nothing is not done,” explain Wu Wei or “The Pooh Way?” (70)
Tao doesn't force or interfere with things, but lets them work in their own way, to produce results naturally. This explain Wu Wei by supporting 'not going against nature of things.' Tao practices Wu Wei: he would work on nature and by little effort, he would see the things are done 'naturally.'
18. How does Tai Chi reflect Wu Wei or Taoism as a martial art? (87-8)
Martial art reuses opponent's force to reflect the energy back to the opponent. In the sense of natural flow and reflection, Wu Wei and martial art have congruent points. Wu Wei overcomes force by neutralizing power and by the understanding of the energy, one can use it again or counter it without much effort.
19. Are you a Bisy Backson? (94)
Pretty thoughtful question it is. In fact, I agree with the point. Yes, I am a Bisy Backson. When I work, exercise and play, I get stressed.
20. What is the Bisy Backson view of American history according to Hoff? (103-104)
American history is the history to change things. But Americans do not really eager to change themselves. Thus they would interfere with things they have no business interfering with. Although their behaviors are supervised by the wise, it is still not easy to control their tendencies.
24. What makes us happy in life the goals or the process we go through to reach the goals? Why? (111) - It's the process we go through to reach the goals that make us happy, because, once the goal is reached, the goal doesn't mean so much. Reward is not so rewarding once the reward is given. However, the process one takes to reach the goal lasts forever, and is more meaningful.
25. What is the significance of The Stonecutter? (118-9)- The principle the stonecutter teaches is that one should be satisfied with his life and the given situation.
26. Explain the significance of the following line from the Tao Te Ching: “From caring comes courage.” (128)
- The significance of this phrase is that courage comes from the heart one has, not his knowledge or wisdom.
27. Where does one find Wisdom, Happiness and Courage? (137)
One finds wisdom, happiness, and courage could be found on one's journey. Those things are not found at the end of the journey. They all start from the beginning, on the way, and at the end.
28. What is the “Great Nothing?” (143) The great nothing is an idea that there is something important which is really nothing at all.
29. Why is an “Empty sort of mind” so valuable according to Taoism? (146-7)
- Empty space is valuable according to Taoism because one can fill in the empty space with reasoning and peace. Also, one is able to look back at himself with on the empty space. One is not bothered by any other things.
30. Interpret the following quote: “To attain knowledge, add things every day. To attain wisdom, remove things every day.” (148-9) It means in order to attain knowledge one has to be eager to learn and try to learn through many sources such as books or someone else who is knowledgable. However, in order to attain wisdom, one has to empty out his mind. He needs to remove unnecessary and useless knowledge to have some space for wisdom.
31. Why is the child the highest stage of development? (151)-Because their minds are empty and free from useless knowledge. They have space and open-minds to accept wisdom. They are more likely to accept something valuable into their open minds.
32. Why may knowledge and cleverness destroy life as we know it? (154)- Knowledge and cleverness might destroy one's life, because as one focuses so much to gain knowledge and cleverness one might become very egotistical. Also, as he only focuses on gaining knowledge, he might lose his own uniqueness and identity. Discussion Questions
What qualities of Confucius do you think might have made him a good teacher? Do you think he would still be considered a good teacher if he were alive today in our own society? Why or why not? (Note: What do you learn in particular about his teaching from passage 21?) - Confucius would have been the great teacher because he understands the responsibility as a teacher. As a person who has knowledge, He feels obligated to share his wisdom to others. However, the arrogance that the elders should be able to change young people's mind will gain some criticism in today's world, for people should do what they want to do in the merit-based society.
What qualities do you think Confucius would look for in an educated person? - Confucius will look for respecting and ambitious student, who will naturally succeed when the opportunity is presented. Also, he will seek student who do not abuse his power of knowledge, and whose emotion do not overwhelm his thinking.
How do you think Confucius saw his own role? (See, for example, passages 10 and 25.) - Confucius felt leadership in guiding young people into the right path; lots of student asks question to him, and he is glad to answer the question using his best wisdom. However, he is not arrogant in any way; he believes his talents are not innate talents. He simply values the power of knowledge.
General Outlines (may not be exactly word-to-word with the podcast)
(Picture of Apgujung Church) This is where my parents met for the first time. Their job was to lecture young students about catholic values. Not surprisingly, even after they moved out of the church, I was raised by strong catholic parents. I have grown up listening to the story of Adam and Eve and the story of the creation. When I was five I got baptized and earned a new name: Francesco. My mother wanted me to live like Saint Francesco d’Assisi to devote his life in a small village to help the poor. Compared to my early age devoted to catholicism, my parents has become lenient on my participation on the religion during my teenager age. I was excused from mandatory weekly mass if I had too much homework to do. Nevertheless, the catholicism has impacted my views toward the world. One of them, for example, is that I tend to reserve judgement about the people.
The religion has impacted not only me but also my family and society. The uniform in religion in my family had brought us much closer in relationship. Every sunday we had a family lunch after the mass, where we shared each other’s news.
Furthermore, the religion has impact my society by teaching them to forgive and help others. By believing in afterlife, people became award of their action and responsibility. They have done many good things to please the God. For example, like the church in my village, catholic church holds a lot of charity to help out the poor. Also, the society became very optimistic, believing that they are God’s son and daughters. They start to believe that all the bad things happening in their lives are God’s intention. I think Christianity provides very easy solution to problems in life.
What I believe is quite different. I believe in many things, but I have never been sure of any one of them, even Christianity. I think it is important to keep an open mind because God works in mysterious ways. He could turn out to be not what you expected.
9/1/11 WHAT DO RELIGION AND PHILOSOPHY HAVE IN COMMON? And, WHY IS THE STUDY OF RELIGION AND PHILOSOPHY IMPORTANT?
- Religion and philosophy are alike in many different ways. For example, they both include explanations of life and nature. They are solutions to help people to better understand the concept and the purpose of life. But more importantly, they have similar effects on the people. They both contribute in shaping the behavior of the individuals and the society. Different mindsets from having different religion and philosophy can create difference in people's behavior. In other words, you can better understand a person or a society by studying his/her religion and philosophy. For example, by learning confucianism (the religion Korea is based on) you can understand why Koreans behave so respectively to elders yet so impulsively to friends. Thus, if we study religion and philosophy deeply, we can understand the person's behavior, and possibly predict how people will react in the future.
Christianity Group Questions- Due 10/12/11
- Japanese Roman Catholic Emperor came to Korea
- brought a missionary who was more interested in Japan than Korea => not actively spread
- 이성훈 went to china to research Christianity, became Christian himself.
- Christianity grew independently from Western countries.
- Koryo & Choson
- Koryo: Govt. based on Buddhism but corrupted Buddhist had exploit their power.
- Choson: converted to Confucianism to built strict and orderly society. It became dominant by the eighteenth century. First Catholic church was formed. Its belief such as equality and marriage system appealed to Koreans.
- Catholicism was viewed as a treat, was outlawed in 1785. At least 8,000 Korean Christians were persecuted, but Catholicism continues to spread rapidly.
- first missionary named Dr. Horace and Allen from Press
- faked that he was physician from US
- 1912, Protestantism grew
- 334 people came, 962 protestant schools, offered lots of things
- Protestants translated bible to Korean
- tried to implement Shintoism, but rejected b/c of nationalism
- rather grew much b/c of nationalism
- ppl who gave into Japan got scorned after Japanese left
- becomes democratic
- help modernization in Korea
1. Why might Korea under the Confucian Chosŏn dynasty have been an especially fertile
ground for Christianity to take root?
Confucianism promotes social hierarchy. In such a community, those who belong to a lower social class would seek for change; they would want a religion that values equality. The essence of Christianity was fortunately equality of all human beings regardless of their gender and occupation. Thus, women and people of lower social status particularly supported the spreading of Christianity.
2. What other religion that existed in Korea might have appealed to lower classes in a similar
manner as Christianity? How might this other religion have been hindered in attracting new
followers?
Because the regime of Koryo was corrupted, the newfound regime of Choson as well as its people, including people of lower social status, would have been attracted to legalism: a philosophy that promotes the “rule of law.” They would have thought that, had legalism been implemented earlier, the government would have been less corrupt.
3. Why did the government care which religion people practiced?
If the people supported a religion that went against its principles, its legitimacy would be questioned. Thus, in order to have better control of its people, the government tried to control religion. In many cases, religions have been used as a tool and had planted an impetus to overthrow governments.
The Role of Shamanism & Fortune-Telling in Korean Culture- 10/10/11
Document 2
Shintoism Chart- Sean D Kim F Block- Due 10/11/11
[[file:Shintoism Chart- Sean D Kim F Block- 10:11:11.pages]]
Reading Questions for Legalism- Due 10/11/11
Current Event
Assignment 2- 10/6/11
Tao of the Pooh Wikipost
Sean D Kim and Nancy Kim- The Pooh Way
Chung Tzu And The Butterfly Analysis- 9/30/11
Prepare an answer for the following questions
The Tao of Pooh Discussion Questions and Quotes- Due 9/29/11
#1-11: Sean D Kim
#12-21: Jung Wook Kang
#22-32: Brian Kim
11. Explain Hoff’s interpretation of the Chinese quote: “One disease, long life; No disease, short life.” (48)
Those who know what's wrong with them and take care of themselves accordingly will tend to live a lot longer than those who consider themselves perfectly healthy and neglect their weaknesses.
12. What does Hoff mean when he states that we must learn to “work with Things As They Are?” (50)
We do not need to find answers to "things." It would just make us conclude that there is no absolute answers and make us more curious about other questions.
13. What happens to people who do not listen to their Inner Nature? (57)
If people do not listen to their inner nature, they can be easily fooled. They do not understand them very much. Having little understanding of themselves, they have little respect for themselves, and are therefore easily influenced by others.
14. What is the Way of Self-Reliance? (57-8)
The way of Self-Reliance starts with recognizing who we are, what we've got to work with, and what works best for us.
15. How can we change ourselves effectively through the principles of Taoism? (58)
We can change ourselves effectively through discovering somethings about ourselves that we don't like. Then we can decide whether to get rid of them completely, change them into other thigns, or use them in beneficial ways.
16. What is the Wu Wei or “The Pooh Way” according to Hoff? (67-8)
Wu Wei or "The Pooh Way" is not to go against the nature of things; no clever tampering. It is like that of the water because it evolves from an inner sensitivity to the natural rhythm of things.
17. How does the quote, “Tao does not do, but nothing is not done,” explain Wu Wei or “The Pooh Way?” (70)
Tao doesn't force or interfere with things, but lets them work in their own way, to produce results naturally. This explain Wu Wei by supporting 'not going against nature of things.' Tao practices Wu Wei: he would work on nature and by little effort, he would see the things are done 'naturally.'
18. How does Tai Chi reflect Wu Wei or Taoism as a martial art? (87-8)
Martial art reuses opponent's force to reflect the energy back to the opponent. In the sense of natural flow and reflection, Wu Wei and martial art have congruent points. Wu Wei overcomes force by neutralizing power and by the understanding of the energy, one can use it again or counter it without much effort.
19. Are you a Bisy Backson? (94)
Pretty thoughtful question it is. In fact, I agree with the point. Yes, I am a Bisy Backson. When I work, exercise and play, I get stressed.
20. What is the Bisy Backson view of American history according to Hoff? (103-104)
American history is the history to change things. But Americans do not really eager to change themselves. Thus they would interfere with things they have no business interfering with. Although their behaviors are supervised by the wise, it is still not easy to control their tendencies.
24. What makes us happy in life the goals or the process we go through to reach the goals? Why? (111)
- It's the process we go through to reach the goals that make us happy, because, once the goal is reached, the goal doesn't mean so much. Reward is not so rewarding once the reward is given. However, the process one takes to reach the goal lasts forever, and is more meaningful.
25. What is the significance of The Stonecutter? (118-9)- The principle the stonecutter teaches is that one should be satisfied with his life and the given situation.
26. Explain the significance of the following line from the Tao Te Ching: “From caring comes courage.” (128)
- The significance of this phrase is that courage comes from the heart one has, not his knowledge or wisdom.
27. Where does one find Wisdom, Happiness and Courage? (137)
One finds wisdom, happiness, and courage could be found on one's journey. Those things are not found at the end of the journey. They all start from the beginning, on the way, and at the end.
28. What is the “Great Nothing?” (143)
The great nothing is an idea that there is something important which is really nothing at all.
29. Why is an “Empty sort of mind” so valuable according to Taoism? (146-7)
- Empty space is valuable according to Taoism because one can fill in the empty space with reasoning and peace. Also, one is able to look back at himself with on the empty space. One is not bothered by any other things.
30. Interpret the following quote: “To attain knowledge, add things every day. To attain wisdom, remove things every day.” (148-9)
It means in order to attain knowledge one has to be eager to learn and try to learn through many sources such as books or someone else who is knowledgable. However, in order to attain wisdom, one has to empty out his mind. He needs to remove unnecessary and useless knowledge to have some space for wisdom.
31. Why is the child the highest stage of development? (151)-Because their minds are empty and free from useless knowledge. They have space and open-minds to accept wisdom. They are more likely to accept something valuable into their open minds.
32. Why may knowledge and cleverness destroy life as we know it? (154)- Knowledge and cleverness might destroy one's life, because as one focuses so much to gain knowledge and cleverness one might become very egotistical. Also, as he only focuses on gaining knowledge, he might lose his own uniqueness and identity.
Discussion Questions
What qualities of Confucius do you think might have made him a good teacher? Do you think he would still be considered a good teacher if he were alive today in our own society? Why or why not? (Note: What do you learn in particular about his teaching from passage 21?)
- Confucius would have been the great teacher because he understands the responsibility as a teacher. As a person who has knowledge, He feels obligated to share his wisdom to others. However, the arrogance that the elders should be able to change young people's mind will gain some criticism in today's world, for people should do what they want to do in the merit-based society.
What qualities do you think Confucius would look for in an educated person?
- Confucius will look for respecting and ambitious student, who will naturally succeed when the opportunity is presented. Also, he will seek student who do not abuse his power of knowledge, and whose emotion do not overwhelm his thinking.
How do you think Confucius saw his own role? (See, for example, passages 10 and 25.)
- Confucius felt leadership in guiding young people into the right path; lots of student asks question to him, and he is glad to answer the question using his best wisdom. However, he is not arrogant in any way; he believes his talents are not innate talents. He simply values the power of knowledge.
Confucius Notes Questions
Haven't I Seen You Before?
Comparison Chart of Buddhist Schools or Sects
Buddhism Sects Project- Jogye Order - Sean D Kim & Seung Ah Lee
Religion Mini-Project- Sean D Kim 10F
General Outlines (may not be exactly word-to-word with the podcast)
(Picture of Apgujung Church) This is where my parents met for the first time. Their job was to lecture young students about catholic values. Not surprisingly, even after they moved out of the church, I was raised by strong catholic parents. I have grown up listening to the story of Adam and Eve and the story of the creation. When I was five I got baptized and earned a new name: Francesco. My mother wanted me to live like Saint Francesco d’Assisi to devote his life in a small village to help the poor. Compared to my early age devoted to catholicism, my parents has become lenient on my participation on the religion during my teenager age. I was excused from mandatory weekly mass if I had too much homework to do. Nevertheless, the catholicism has impacted my views toward the world. One of them, for example, is that I tend to reserve judgement about the people.
The religion has impacted not only me but also my family and society. The uniform in religion in my family had brought us much closer in relationship. Every sunday we had a family lunch after the mass, where we shared each other’s news.
Furthermore, the religion has impact my society by teaching them to forgive and help others. By believing in afterlife, people became award of their action and responsibility. They have done many good things to please the God. For example, like the church in my village, catholic church holds a lot of charity to help out the poor. Also, the society became very optimistic, believing that they are God’s son and daughters. They start to believe that all the bad things happening in their lives are God’s intention. I think Christianity provides very easy solution to problems in life.
What I believe is quite different. I believe in many things, but I have never been sure of any one of them, even Christianity. I think it is important to keep an open mind because God works in mysterious ways. He could turn out to be not what you expected.
9/1/11
WHAT DO RELIGION AND PHILOSOPHY HAVE IN COMMON? And, WHY IS THE STUDY OF RELIGION AND PHILOSOPHY IMPORTANT?
- Religion and philosophy are alike in many different ways. For example, they both include explanations of life and nature. They are solutions to help people to better understand the concept and the purpose of life. But more importantly, they have similar effects on the people. They both contribute in shaping the behavior of the individuals and the society. Different mindsets from having different religion and philosophy can create difference in people's behavior. In other words, you can better understand a person or a society by studying his/her religion and philosophy. For example, by learning confucianism (the religion Korea is based on) you can understand why Koreans behave so respectively to elders yet so impulsively to friends. Thus, if we study religion and philosophy deeply, we can understand the person's behavior, and possibly predict how people will react in the future.